Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma genitalium and treatment of its infection

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitalium is an important sexually transmitted pathogen which infects the reproductive tract and rectum of males and females. It can cause local inflammation by adhering to epithelial cells and activating the host immune response. In recent years, with the wide spread of macrolide-resistant strains, the efficacy of early use of azithromycin for the treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection has been obviously decreased. Quinolones such as moxifloxacin can increase the cure rate of Mycoplasma genitalium infection. However, with the emergence of quinolones-resistant strains, treatment failure cases have been reported. More seriously, there have been reports on multidrug-resistant strains which are resistant to both macrolides and quinolones. Doxycycline and pristinamycin can also be used for the treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection, but there are some disadvantages of low bacterial clearance rate and multiple daily administration. Therefore, new drugs and better treatment approaches for Mycoplasma genitalium infection are needed. Key words: Mycoplasma genitalium; Microbiological phenomena; Therapeutic uses; Anti-bacterial agents; Drug resistance